The family of a student murdered in France has cautiously welcomed reports that the wife of a serial killer has linked him to two further killings.
Monique Olivier claims that Michel Fourniret killed two women in France in 1988 and 1990.
Joanna Parrish, from Newnham-on-Severn, was murdered in Auxerre in 1990 after giving a man private English lessons.
A French magistrate has ordered DNA tests on Mr Fourniret to establish if he was involved in Ms Parrish's death.
These tests have yet to be carried out.
Joanna's father, Roger, has claimed that Mr Forniret was involved in the killing.
Joanna's parents say her death was never properly investigated: "We are very encouraged by this, however it's still early days."
The Leeds University student was teaching English in Auxerre when she went missing in 1990.
The 21-year-old disappeared after going to visit a man to give him English lessons. Her body was found floating in a river.
'State of limbo'
The reports of the claim from Mr Fourniret's now estranged wife came on French agency AFP.
In a statement her father, Roger, and mother Pauline Sewell, along with brother Barney, said: "The only way that we have received any news so far is from our own personal contacts in France.
"We are once again dismayed that we are being left in a state of limbo, but this follows the pattern of the way that we have been treated by the French authorities over the last 15 years.
"Over the years there have been many revelations and we have learned to be guarded and are so on this occasion.
"For the moment we will have to reserve our judgment. This is a difficult period and we are feeling a mixture of emotions.
"If the news is positively confirmed we will obviously have a great sense of relief amongst other strong feelings."
Det Ch Insp Bernie Kinsella, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: "We are very encouraged by this news.
"However, it is still early days and Joanna's family and friends have been through many highs and lows during the course of investigations into her death."
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